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Summary: The last handbook you'll ever need
Review: All of us will have to experience loss at some point--some more than others. And no amount of religion, soul-searching, friends, or estate and trust planning can really prepare us for the event. Having seen over thirteen of my family members die over the years, not to mention friends and co-workers, I can only say that I wish this book had been available for me then. The insights into dying and the reactions of those around the dying provided by the astute author(s), are quite impressive. But the best thing about this well written book is that it doesn't pander; there is no cheerleading or false hope--only the truth, told in a professional and caring manner. Lately, because of my interest in the subject and how it affects not only those dying, but those around the aged and ill, I've been reading everything I can get my hands on. I've come across two other excellent books on this subject. One is titled "Necessary Losses" and is along the lines of this book. the other was a collection of stories about loss called "The Children's Corner" by Jackson McCrae. Stories about death, be it physical, spiritual, or emotional. Some are acutally quite funny and others are touching. Still others are dark and painful. One story "Crook" deals with Alzheimer's and is moving without being manipulative. All-in-all, two other great books to help you think about dying and the process.
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Summary: Thank you for this book
Review: I found this book on Amazon soon after my friend was sent home to die. Several of us read it, and it helped us direct our energy from saving his life to easing his transition. This book told us what to expect. Although he was enrolled in hospice, I think we learned more from this book than from his caregivers. When he was agitated, we knew it was part of his transition, and when he said that he needed a ride home, we knew where he was going. He knew that we loved him, and that it was okay to let go. He died peacefully at home, for which I will always be grateful. I think it eases our grief to know that we gave him every final gift that we could. The information in this book matched our experience at every step, and increased my acceptance of death as a natural part of life.
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Summary: Helpful and comforting
Review: A friend gave this to me when my mother was dying at home with the wonderful help of Hospice workers. It helped us all get through each day with its gentle insights and good advice. Highly recommended.
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Summary: Read BEFORE death is imminent... change lives and deaths
Review: "Final Gifts" was suggested to me after I spoke to an old friend who called to talk to me after being told he had a week to live. There were many gems within which helped me to communicate well with him and his wife (another close friend) in his final week of life. I am very grateful I was able to read this as my friend was dying instead of after he was gone. I strongly suggest people begin reading this book as soon as they know death is possible: before it is imminent. We need to demystify the dying process and stop being afraid of it. This book does a great service in that direction.
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Summary: HELPED ME TO FEEL NOT QUITE AS SAD
Review: I bought this book after the death of a very good friend. I felt empty and lost and was looking for something to help me to start to understand the logic (or lack of logic) of what had happened. Reading this book helped me to understand better what my friend may have been going through and just gave me the feeling that she is ok now. It is excellantly written by 2 people who obviously care about the work that they do. A sequel would be wonderful.
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